Combine first 7 ingredients; divide evenly, and place in 6 airtight plastic
bags. Add 2 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon bouillon granules to each package.
Label "Herb Mix" and seal. Combine black-eyed peas and next 3 ingredients;
divide evenly and place in 6 airtight plastic bags. Label "Bean Mix" and seal.
Place one bag herb mix, 1 bag bean mix, and bag pasta in a gift container;
repeat procedure with remaining bags. Yield: 6 (3-bags) gifts.
Directions for gift recipe card: Sort and wash bean mix; place in a Dutch
oven. Cover with water 2 inches above beans; soak 8 hours. Drain. Combine
beans, 3 quarts water, herb mix, 1 carrot, chopped, and 2/3 cup chopped cooked
ham in Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 2-1/2 hours,
stirring occasionally. Add 1 (14-1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed
tomatoes,undrained, and pasta; cook 20 minutes. Yield: 9 cups Note: To use
the quick-soak method, place beans in a Dutch oven; cover with water 2 inches
above beans. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cover, and let stand 1 hour.
Drain.
In place of the plastic bags for the pasta and beans, you might consider using
scrap material to make drawstring bags.
